Each woman will receive up to $600 to cover expenses related to scholarship that are not typically covered by departments or grants. Such expenses include research-related travel, computer hardware and software. Equipment will remain the property of SIUC on loan to the applicant.

"The reviewers were impressed with the significance of the research and creative work by the applicants," said M. Joan McDermott, director of Women's Studies. "I am thrilled that the professors selected for funding represent the richness and diversity of women's scholarship on the campus."

Judges reviewed and evaluated proposals based on the following criteria: purpose or relevance of research, enhancement of professional development, need or justification and completeness of proposal.

Fostering faculty excellence is among the goals of Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, the blueprint for the development of the University by the time it celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2019.